Residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders are being encouraged to help shape the future of Cumberland by taking part in a new scoping consultation for the Cumberland Local Plan.
The six-week consultation, which runs from 14 September to 23 October 2026, marks the first stage of preparing the Local Plan under the new planning system. It builds on work already undertaken, including the Issues and Options Consultation held in 2025, which helped identify some of the key challenges, opportunities and priorities facing Cumberland.
The council is now seeking feedback to ensure that all important issues and opportunities have been identified and to help determine the most effective ways to engage with communities throughout the plan-making process.
The Cumberland Local Plan will provide the framework for guiding future development and land use across the area. It will help shape decisions on matters such as where new homes and employment developments should be located, the infrastructure needed to support communities, and the protection and enhancement of Cumberland's natural and historic environment.
Feedback gathered through the scoping consultation will help inform the vision, priorities and evidence base for the Local Plan before more detailed options are developed and consulted on next year.
Councillor Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Environment and Planning, said:
"Cumberland is home to many unique communities, each with their own opportunities and challenges. As we begin the next stage of preparing the Local Plan, we are keen to hear from people right across the area about what they value, what they would like to see improved and how they want Cumberland to develop in the future.
“This consultation is an important chance for local people to have their say and help shape a shared vision for Cumberland and we encourage everyone to have their say."
Consultation documents and details of how to respond can be found on the council's website at Scoping consultation | Cumberland Council.
Alongside the scoping consultation, Cumberland Council has also reopened its Call for Sites exercise.
The Call for Sites provides an opportunity for landowners, developers, organisations and individuals to suggest land that could be considered for allocation in the Local Plan. Sites can be submitted for a range of potential uses, including housing, employment, infrastructure, open space and community facilities.
Submissions are now open and further information is available at Cumberland Local Plan - Call for Sites | Let's Talk Cumberland.
Anyone with an interest in the future development of Cumberland is encouraged to take part in the consultation and share their views before it closes on 23 October 2026.